I find them quite different, and on balance think I prefer running outside however I actually don't mind the treadmill.

I don't like running outside when it's dark where I live so I use the treadmill at the gym for early morning runs in winter. I also use it in summer when it's too hot as I do NOT cope well in the heat and the gym at least has air con!

I haven't read the whole thread so apologies is this has been covered.

When you run on a treadmill, obviously, the belt is moving not you. So you only have to propel yourself from the belt and land again. You are not pushing yourself against the static ground to gain momentum. The belt has the momentum. (Sorry that's a clunky paragraph).

Anyhoo. Setting the treadmill to 1-2% incline will more accurately mimic outside running so you'll get a better cross over when the weathers better.

I live in Sweden now and while running on snow is wonderful trying to run on icy surfaces is a nightmare so a treadmill is a great way to keep it up.

In my experience, running on a treadmill is physically much easier than running on the road, but mentally much harder. While running on the road is much harder physically, but easier mentally. The treadmill does some of the work for you, plus you don't get the terrain differences.

I do think this sums it up... There are some other considerations for me but I don't think they necessarily make it much different--as long as I am running I am happy.

Running outside--I live in New England so I have to contend with ice, snow, and early nightfall right now. If I time it right though, I can get out and run 4 miles and stretch in under 40 minutes. The roads where I live are narrow and there aren't many sidewalks so I have to contend with running against traffic. The roads are crowned so I do get a shortening on my right side due to that. And we have potholes/irregular road surfaces.

Running inside--My closest gym is a YMCA so I have to contend with the January crowds. If someone wearing a lot of perfume/BO climbs on to the next treadmill, I have to contend with that. While the weather indoors is consistent, it's consistently warmer than I would choose to run.

I've noticed the mechanics of the treadmill and the constant "feed" it gives with the belt, so I am appreciative for the input of increasing the incline to help with my transition to outdoor running. That being said, I also need to work on my breathing, it seems too heavy and I think that tires me out faster than if I could get my breathing under control. Any help with this part (the breathing)?

I've noticed the mechanics of the treadmill and the constant "feed" it gives with the belt, so I am appreciative for the input of increasing the incline to help with my transition to outdoor running. That being said, I also need to work on my breathing, it seems too heavy and I think that tires me out faster than if I could get my breathing under control. Any help with this part (the breathing)?

Run slower.

How far or long and how fast are you running? Sorry if you've said this already.

Agreed. Run slower. Start with the pace well below what you plan to run overall. Every 1/4 mile, go up .1. When you get to the point that you are breathing hard, drop the pace. Stay there for a while. If it starts feeling easy, go up again. FWIW, it usually takes me a mile or two to get into the groove. Some days I never do get up to the same pace I usually run outside. You need to listen to your body and run according to that day's fitness, not what you think you ought to be able to run.

I prefer to run & bike outdoors, but I would rather do this on a machine than miss a work out due to climate, conflicting priorities, etc. We sold our elliptical and purchased a nice treadmill last year along with a bike trainer. Whenever we have to be on a tconn, read through documents, or just be in the house with the kids.

I owe much of my resilience to my high school track coach who ran us snow, rain, or shine.

I prefer to run & bike outdoors, but I would rather do this on a machine than miss a work out due to climate, conflicting priorities, etc. We sold our elliptical and purchased a nice treadmill last year along with a bike trainer. Whenever we have to be on a tconn, read through documents, or just be in the house with the kids.

I owe much of my resilience to my high school track coach who ran us snow, rain, or shine.

@CSARdiver--what brand of treadmill/model did you purchase? My husband and I have been looking and the internet searches yield very different results for "quality".

First off, keep up the running no matter where you're doing it! If you have the right clothing, running outside can not be beat. There's nothing like a run during colder temps to really get a good runner's high going. Good luck!

@mitch16@Tacklewasher . . . have you ever tried yaktraks, rubber and metal cleats that slide over your running shoes for snow and ice? Just curious if anyone has used them in the winter months. I bought a pair at Costco a few weeks back but we haven't had any snow to try them out yet. Thanks . . Rod

For me, there's nothing better than running outside. I just love the feeling of being free to run wherever I want. I'm lucky as I live in California and even during the winter, I can still run outdoors.

I'm lucky as I live in Minnesota and even during the winter, I can still run outdoors.
There is nothing like running outside in a heavy snow. It's magical! Ice beards are pretty cool too.

@mitch16@Tacklewasher . . . have you ever tried yaktraks, rubber and metal cleats that slide over your running shoes for snow and ice? Just curious if anyone has used them in the winter months. I bought a pair at Costco a few weeks back but we haven't had any snow to try them out yet. Thanks . . Rod

@rodmelching I much prefer making screw shoes out of an older pair of running shoes. I've tried the yaktraks and I don't like that I can feel them stretch across my foot and constrict my toes a bit. It's just a feel think for me, it might be fine for you.

Screw shoes are super easy to make, and super cheap. They don't damage the shoes in any appreciable way either. While I use older running shoes to do it, come springtime I'll take the screws out and use them normally.

@7lenny7 . . . talk about some serious weather and snow running. Wow . . and the ice beard is a nice badge of honor. Way to get out there. I love putting the first set of shoe print in the snow on the trail but we don't get that much snow in Indiana. I will definetely check out the screwshoe. Thanks

For me, there's nothing better than running outside. I just love the feeling of being free to run wherever I want. I'm lucky as I live in California and even during the winter, I can still run outdoors.

I'm lucky as I live in Minnesota and even during the winter, I can still run outdoors.
There is nothing like running outside in a heavy snow. It's magical! Ice beards are pretty cool too.